Global Pulse

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  • China lays out pitch to lure world’s consumers

    China lays out pitch to lure world’s consumers

    China is strategically positioning itself as a premier shopping destination for international tourists through a series of policy enhancements aimed at improving the visitor experience. Key among these measures is the optimization of the instant tax refund policy, which now allows foreign visitors to initiate tax refund claims directly at the point of sale in major retail outlets. This logistical simplification has significantly reduced friction for consumers, making shopping a primary motivation for overseas tourists visiting the country, according to experts and executives.

    The minimum purchase threshold for departure tax refunds has been lowered to 200 yuan ($27.75) at the same store on the same day, as announced by the Ministry of Commerce in April. This change has made it easier for international travelers to take advantage of tax refunds, further incentivizing shopping in China. High-tech gadgets, particularly drones and advanced smartphones, are among the most popular purchases, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards innovative and high-value products.

    Luo Yao, store manager of drone maker DJI at Beijing APM, noted that their store has become a destination in itself, with foreign visitors often arriving with clear intent to purchase. Luo highlighted that foreign customers, primarily from the United States, Singapore, and Russia, frequently visit in family or friend groups, and the store provides assistance with pricing, tax refunds, and hands-on product testing to simplify the shopping experience.

    Wan Zhe, a professor specializing in regional economic development at Beijing Normal University, observed that international travelers’ demand for Chinese goods has evolved from a focus on low cost to an appreciation for superior value and innovation. This transition has been further fueled by protectionist policies in certain Western nations, which have inflated domestic consumer costs, making Chinese alternatives not only cheaper but also smarter and more efficient choices.

    The expansion of China’s visa-free entry policies has also played a pivotal role in boosting shopping-focused tourism. The National Immigration Administration reported that from July to September, foreign nationals accounted for 7.24 million visits to China under its visa-free policies, marking a 48.3 percent year-on-year increase. The visa-waiver program now grants entry to nationals of 76 countries and provides up to 10-day transit visas for travelers from 55 more, streamlining access for a growing number of international visitors.

    These strategic initiatives underscore China’s commitment to enhancing its appeal as a global shopping hub, leveraging policy upgrades and innovative products to attract and satisfy international consumers.

  • Anti-migrant group ordered to stop blocking foreigners from South African healthcare

    Anti-migrant group ordered to stop blocking foreigners from South African healthcare

    A South African court has issued a landmark ruling against Operation Dudula, an anti-migrant group, ordering it to cease obstructing foreign nationals from accessing public health facilities and schools. The Johannesburg High Court declared such actions illegal, emphasizing that the group must stop intimidating, harassing, or interfering with individuals seeking these essential services. Operation Dudula, whose name translates to ‘remove by force’ in Zulu, has been actively picketing hospitals, clinics, and schools in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, demanding identity checks and barring non-South Africans from entry. The court also prohibited the group from making hate speech, unlawfully evicting foreign nationals from their homes or trading stalls, and inciting others to do so. South Africa, home to approximately 2.4 million migrants—about 4% of its population—has long grappled with xenophobia, which has occasionally erupted into violent outbreaks. The ruling comes amid rising anti-migrant sentiment, which has become a contentious political issue. Operation Dudula has expressed disappointment with the verdict and plans to appeal. The case highlights the ongoing tension between migrant communities and local populations in a nation historically reliant on migrant labor from neighboring countries like Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

  • Pilot to build top-tier shopping hubs

    Pilot to build top-tier shopping hubs

    China is embarking on an ambitious two-year pilot program to transform approximately 15 cities into world-class consumption hubs, aiming to attract overseas tourists and elevate the country’s retail and service standards. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Commerce, seeks to refine China’s consumption ecosystem to meet international benchmarks, thereby driving product and service upgrades and fostering sustainable economic growth.

  • Beirne free to play against Japan after red card rescinded

    Beirne free to play against Japan after red card rescinded

    DUBLIN (AP) — Tadhg Beirne, the Ireland backrower, has been cleared to participate in the upcoming match against Japan this Saturday following the successful appeal of his red card. The decision to rescind the red card was announced after an independent disciplinary committee reviewed the incident on Tuesday. Beirne had initially received a yellow card for a high tackle on Beauden Barrett during the third minute of Ireland’s 26-13 loss to New Zealand in Chicago. The yellow card was subsequently upgraded to a 20-minute red card after a bunker review. However, the disciplinary committee concluded that while Beirne’s action constituted foul play, it did not warrant a red card. ‘Having considered the player’s and the other evidence and reviewed the footage, the disciplinary committee accepted the player’s submissions that whilst an act of foul play had occurred, it did not meet the red card threshold,’ stated the committee, as reported by the BBC. Ireland is set to face Australia and South Africa in additional test matches later this month.

  • Political Lens

    Political Lens

    In a significant diplomatic push, China has expressed its commitment to enhancing collaboration with Pacific Island countries and deepening its strategic partnership with Qatar. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, emphasized China’s readiness to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with Pacific Island nations during a collective meeting with their legislative representatives in Beijing. Zhao highlighted the alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, underscoring the importance of multi-level exchanges and legal frameworks to bolster bilateral ties. The visiting representatives reaffirmed their adherence to the one-China principle and their eagerness to strengthen cooperation with China. Meanwhile, Vice-President Han Zheng, during his visit to Doha for the Second World Summit for Social Development, pledged to elevate China-Qatar relations by deepening collaboration across various sectors. These developments reflect China’s proactive approach to fostering international partnerships and advancing its global influence.

  • Malaysian rapper Namewee detained in murder investigation of Taiwanese influencer

    Malaysian rapper Namewee detained in murder investigation of Taiwanese influencer

    KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Prominent Malaysian rapper and filmmaker Wee Meng Chee, known professionally as Namewee, was taken into custody on Wednesday to aid police in their investigation into the murder of Taiwanese social media influencer Hsieh Yu-hsin. According to his lawyer, Joshua Tay, Namewee voluntarily surrendered to authorities and will be held under a six-day remand. The case, initially treated as a suspicious death, was reclassified as a murder following the discovery of new evidence. Hsieh, a 31-year-old former nurse with over half a million Instagram followers and an OnlyFans account, was found dead in a Kuala Lumpur hotel bathtub on October 22. Local media reported that Namewee was the last person seen with her before her death. He was briefly detained at the time and separately charged with drug possession, which he denies. Hsieh, affectionately dubbed ‘Nurse Goddess’ by her fans, had arrived in Malaysia on October 20 for a four-day stay. Authorities are awaiting full post-mortem and toxicology reports to determine the official cause of death. Namewee expressed deep sorrow over Hsieh’s passing and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. His lawyer emphasized the need for a thorough and impartial inquiry. Namewee, a controversial figure known for his satirical takes on Malaysian politics, race, and religion, has faced multiple arrests in the past. His provocative works, including a 2007 video mocking Malaysia’s national anthem and a 2014 film banned for allegedly disparaging national agencies, have often sparked controversy. In 2016, he was detained over a music video deemed disrespectful to Islam, though he was not charged. Similarly, in 2018, he faced backlash for a video featuring dancers in dog masks, which authorities claimed insulted Islam. Namewee maintains that his critiques target hypocrisy and abuse of power, not religion or race. His contentious reputation extends beyond Malaysia; in 2021, a song he released with Australian singer Kimberley Chen mocking Chinese nationalists led to both artists being banned from China and their work removed from Chinese platforms.

  • Prosecutors in Asia seize yachts, luxury cars and cash from man accused of running cyberscams

    Prosecutors in Asia seize yachts, luxury cars and cash from man accused of running cyberscams

    In a coordinated international effort, prosecutors in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore have seized hundreds of millions of dollars in assets linked to Chen Zhi, a Cambodian businessman accused by the U.S. of leading a global cyber-scam syndicate. The crackdown follows an October 14 indictment by U.S. authorities, which charged Chen with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, alongside the seizure of $14 billion in cryptocurrency. Chen, founder of Cambodia’s Prince Holding Group, allegedly orchestrated a vast network of scams spanning multiple countries, including the U.S., the U.K., and Palau. The U.S. and U.K. governments have jointly sanctioned Chen and his collaborators, while investigations into his operations continue to expand. Singaporean authorities seized over $114 million in financial assets, a yacht, and luxury liquor on October 30. Taiwanese prosecutors confiscated $150 million in assets, including 26 luxury cars and 11 upscale apartments in Taipei, while Hong Kong police announced the seizure of $353 million in cash, stocks, and other funds. U.K. authorities also targeted Chen’s assets, seizing a $15.6 million mansion and a $130 million office building. Chen, a Chinese national with Cambodian citizenship, has close ties to Cambodia’s political elite, having served as an adviser to Prime Minister Hun Manet and former Prime Minister Hun Sen. Despite his prominent status, prosecutors allege that the bulk of his wealth stems from fraudulent activities, including the notorious ‘pig butchering’ scam, which reportedly generated $30 million daily. The Prince Holding Group has yet to respond to requests for comment.

  • Japan’s Toyota, hurt by President Trump’s tariffs, reports a drop in profit

    Japan’s Toyota, hurt by President Trump’s tariffs, reports a drop in profit

    Toyota Motor Corporation reported a 7% year-on-year decline in net profit for the April-September period, attributing the downturn to the impact of U.S. tariffs on Japanese automakers. The company’s net profit for the six-month period stood at 1.77 trillion yen ($11.5 billion), down from 1.9 trillion yen in the same period last year. Despite these challenges, Toyota has revised its full-year profit forecast upward to 2.93 trillion yen ($19 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 2026, citing improved vehicle sales and cost-cutting measures. This revised forecast, however, still represents a 38.5% drop from the previous fiscal year’s profit of 4.77 trillion yen. Earlier, Toyota had projected a profit of 2.66 trillion yen ($17 billion) for the current fiscal year. The U.S. tariffs on Japanese automobiles and auto parts, which were reduced to 15% in September from an initial 27.5%, continue to weigh heavily on the company’s performance. Nevertheless, Toyota reported growth in vehicle sales in both the U.S. and Japan, with North American sales exceeding 1.5 million units and Japanese sales reaching 970,000 units during the six-month period. The company’s first-half sales increased by 5.8% to 24.6 trillion yen ($160 billion), while quarterly profit for the period through September surged 62% to 932 billion yen ($6 billion) on sales of 12.38 trillion yen ($80 billion), an 8% year-on-year increase. Toyota remains optimistic, stating that its strategic initiatives, including enhanced sales, cost efficiencies, and value chain improvements, are expected to contribute over 900 billion yen ($5.8 billion) to its bottom line this fiscal year.

  • Bosnia official puts death toll in retirement home fire at 11, with over 30 injured

    Bosnia official puts death toll in retirement home fire at 11, with over 30 injured

    A devastating fire erupted on Tuesday evening at a retirement facility in Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals and leaving over 30 injured, according to Bosnian officials. The blaze, which originated on the building’s seventh floor (eighth floor in U.S. terminology), quickly spread, trapping elderly residents who were unable to evacuate due to mobility issues or illness. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Among the injured were firefighters and rescue workers who responded to the emergency. Tuzla’s mayor, Zijad Lugavic, confirmed that authorities convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday to evaluate the situation and coordinate relief efforts. Ruza Kajic, a resident on the third floor, recounted hearing “popping sounds” and witnessing flames descending from the upper floors as she prepared for bed. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, highlighting the vulnerabilities of elderly care facilities in emergency situations.

  • Morocco declares public holiday to mark UN approval of its Western Sahara plan

    Morocco declares public holiday to mark UN approval of its Western Sahara plan

    In a landmark decision, the United Nations Security Council has officially endorsed Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region. The resolution, passed on Friday, describes genuine autonomy under Moroccan rule as the ‘most feasible solution’ to the decades-long conflict. This move has been celebrated by Morocco, which has declared October 31 as a national holiday, Unity Day, to commemorate the occasion and honor the nation’s ‘territorial integrity and national unity.’ The US, a key sponsor of the resolution, led 11 countries in voting in favor, while Russia, China, and Pakistan abstained, and Algeria opposed the measure. The resolution also extended the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force, MINURSO, for another year. Western Sahara, a phosphate-rich coastal desert, has been a contentious territory since Spain relinquished control in 1975. Morocco annexed the region, but the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, has long fought for the independence of the Sahrawi people. Despite various ceasefires in the 1990s, the underlying dispute remains unresolved. The African Union recognizes Western Sahara’s independence, but several nations, including the US, UK, and major European powers, have recently supported Morocco’s stance. A UN-brokered referendum to determine the region’s future has been repeatedly delayed due to disagreements over voter eligibility.